MONTGOMERY— An $80,000 grant announced by Gov. Robert Bentley will help students at Oneonta city schools to develop computer and technology skills that will serve them into the future.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will help the school system equip 360 students with Chromebook laptop computers to aid in learning. School officials say that student access to the same computer in the classroom and at home helps teachers incorporate technology into daily lessons because all students have the same research material and specialized software.
“Experience with computers, tablets and other digital technology has become essential for success in school and the workplace,” Bentley said. “This program will help more Oneonta students to increase their digital literacy.”
The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties, including 39 in Alabama, across the Appalachian Region. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the ARC program in Alabama and is administering the grant. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
“ADECA constantly looks for opportunities to help school systems address technology challenges, and I am pleased this ARC grant will help more students in Oneonta gain access to laptop computers.” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said.
Bentley notified Lisa Wester, president of the Oneonta Foundation for Educational Resources, that the grant had been approved. The foundation is a nonprofit group that provides students with tools to help them prepare for college and a career, and will contribute matching funds of $80,000 toward the new equipment.
Contact: Mike Presley or Jennifer Ardis